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Why are we interested in Community Gardens?

Community Gardens play an important role in bringing about a more just and sustainable food system because they make it possible for people without a yard to raise their own wholesome food, and they offer cities and neighborhoods the opportunity to build greater self-reliance, bring beauty to their community and create a place for people to come together and get to know eachother.

What is going on with community gardens in West Michigan?

We are working mainly in Grand Rapids, and seeking to learn about gardens there, but also in other places in West Michigan. We are currently mapping where there are gardens and have put together a survey to learn more about the needs and issues neighborhoods, schools and other groups perceive about community gardens. Our policy committee is looking into the City of Grand Rapids codes and policies that effect community gardens and the broader practice of urban agriculture.

If you would like to attend a meeting or learn more about what we are doing, please feel free to contact committee chairRicha - richa(at)safe-mail.net.

Starting List of Grand Rapids Area Community Gardens

Click here for directions and maps to the gardens listed below or to get more information on the individual gardens

Name of Garden	Location	# of Plots	Size of plots	Water	Contact Name	Ph. Number	Email
Perkins	1675 Perkins NE, Grand Rapids	30	25x50	Yes	Richa/Tom Cary	245-8633/451-3051	richa(at)safe-mail.net
Hillcrest	Lyon St. E of Fuller SE, Grand Rapids	100	25x25, 25x50	Yes	Cindy Severa	(616) 458-5266	?
Neighborhood	Fuller & Wealthy SE, Grand Rapids	?	?	Yes	Susan Aalsburg	365-8420	saalsburg@msn.com
Southgate	Sheldon Ave & Wealthy St SE, G Rapids	10	20 x 20	Maybe	Sarah Smith	(616) 245-4398	secacol@aol.com
Brickyaat	Holland N of Fulton NE, Grand Rapids	?	?	Yes	Kelly Otto	(616) 732-9191	midtownmi@yahoo.com
Heartside Peace	Commerce Ave. & Wealthy St. SE, GR	6-10	small	Yes	Richa	(616) 245-8633	richa(at)safe-mail.net
Eastown	415 Ethel SE, Grand Rapids	4-5	small	Yes	Carrie Chludzinski	(616) 451-3023	cmcccc@yahoo.com
Cedar Springs	Pine Street, Cedar Springs	6	?	Maybe	Sandy Mcewan	(616) 696-8660	sandysgarden@netzero.com
Kentwood Community	48th street, Kentwood, MI	32	12 x 12	Yes	Amy Hose	(616) 656-5273/656-5270	hosea@ci.kentwood.mi.us
Garden of Eatin'	West Fulton St, GR	18	?	Yes	Kurt Ruppert	(616) 454-4011 x14	?
Francis Ave.	Francis Ave. SE, GR	?	?	Yes	Khrysta Locke	(616) 457-8434	khrysta@aol.com

We are also trying to identify community gardens in other places in West Michigan. If you know of any please feel free to send information to info@foodshed.net.

Our Goal: To establish a thriving system of community gardens in our region

How do we hope to accomplish this?

• Perform a baseline assessment of community gardening, starting first with the City of Grand Rapids
• Create a community garden network
• Build public knowledge & support for community gardens
• Identify a role and opportunities for entrepreneurship

The Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council is an emerging collaborative among those in the region interested in creating a just and sustainable local food system.